First impressions mean so much.

Think about what you do before going out for dinner or drinks -- or both, with friends and family. Typically, most people make sure they are wearing clean clothes, their breath doesn't smell terrible and their hair is in some semblance of a style.

Other people go above and beyond that, accessorizing with jewelry, taking time to actually style their hair, using cosmetics, polishing shoes, ironing their shirt or any other number of priming techniques.

When people put so much time and effort into their appearance, it's interesting to think that they don't put much thought into the drink they choose -- the very drink that can intrigue or disgust a potential friend or even a possible date.

Imagine that you are turned off by people who smoke or bite their nails. Would you initiate conversation with someone who just put out a cigarette or chewed off -- and spit -- the tip of their finger nail?

Some people think that the drink a person chooses says a lot about that person in question. Just like there are some drinks you would probably not order at a workplace event -- ordering a pina colada or that third vodka on the rocks with a potential client would probably be a no-no -- there are also drinks that you shouldn't let others see you drinking, depending on the impression you'd like to make.

Dave Jacobson, who managed the bar at Restaurant Miami, a now-defunct hot spot in the trendy Uptown area of Minneapolis, Minn., offered a few thoughts on the message that certain drinks suggest, as well as a list of Drinks Men Should Never Order.

Umbrella Drinks Or Ice Cream Drinks

Those fruity, creamy concoctions can make an impression. But is that an impression you want to make?

"Drinks with umbrellas and lots of garnish (cherries, oranges, pineapples) or those with contents on the rim are usually quite young," he said. "You don't catch many guys drinking anything like this; it's mostly college-aged girls."

Margarita

Whether your margarita portrays you in a positive or negative light really depends on the environment in which you order it.

"If you're in a Mexican restaurants, eating chips and salsa, go for it," said Jacobson. "If you're at your local watering hole or upscale bar or restaurants, skip it. It can seem to others -- when ordering a margarita at the 'wrong' location -- that you are dull, living vicariously through your drink."

Whisky/Scotch On The Rocks

Sometimes drinkers of certain beverages have specific looks, Jacobson said.

"Your typical whisky or scotch drinker is someone who may have more than a few drinks a week," said Jacobson. "Appearance-wise, they are usually someone with facial scruff and often a bit heavier."

'Original' Martinis With Gin Or Vodka

Sipping a classic martini, whether dirty or dry, says the same thing, Jacobson.

"Most people who order martinis are experienced drinkers," said Jacobson. "Many are older, but if they are young, they tend to know their way around a liquor cabinet."

Rum And Cola/Diet Cola

Jacobson said that rum and cola as a signature drink suggests familiarity and someone who is unlikely to try something new.

"People who drink rum and cola don't know to try anything else," said Jacobson. "They are not very adventurous in life."

Bloody Mary

Thinking of ordering a bloody mary at your favorite bar or restaurant?

"The people who order them the most are older ladies, often women who have seen a lot of sun," said Jacobson. "The other people who order them typically get them in the mornings, in an attempt to nurse a hangover."

Screwdriver

Does the thought of orange juice and vodka make you salivate?

"Screwdrivers are hardly ever ordered," said Jacobson.

"People who get these drinks are typically original thinkers," he said."They are also people who don't want to taste the booze in their drink."

Appletini, Choco-tini Any Fruity/Sweet-Tini

Flavored martinis have become quite popular in the last few years, thanks in part to the show "Sex And The City." Whether it's rimmed with a funky ingredient like graham cracker crumbs or chocolate or loaded with fruity flavors, many bars and restaurants offer at least one or two "speciality martinis."

"Women who are young, typically 21-24, are most likely to be seen with flavored martinis," said Jacobson. "They tend to like them because they are pretty and they carry them around as if they were accessories to an outfit."

Cosmopolitan

Cosmos, served in a martini glass, also came back into fashion thanks to pop culture. These drinks are fruity but pack an alcohol punch.

"The customers who order cosmos from me are typically bar flies," said Jacobson. "These are the people you see frequently, regulars who seem to like to drink a lot."

Manhattan

Ah, the flavor of bourbon intermingling with vermouth, bitters and cherry. Some suggest it's the next big drink, soon to be hugely popular among the trendy set.

"Right now, the only people I see ordering Manhattans are older men with gray hair and glasses," said Jacobson. "But that doesn't mean that won't change."

White Russian

White Russians are currently enjoying popularity among many crowds. This is the drink that is already moving from the "hipsters" and trendsetters into the mainstream.

White Russians are the current drink of those "in-the-know" folks who tend to make their drinks wildly popular.

"Hipsters order white Russians," said Jacobson. "You'll see guys with black hair, black-framed glasses and white belts drinking white Russians at many trendy bars across the country."

What Wine Says About You

Wine can convey many messages. To many, it's a sophisticated drink, no matter what type you order. To others, wine can suggest a different meaning. Jacobson offers his interpretation of what different types of wine can suggest:

• White Wine -- "Typically, (this is ordered by) women who don't really want to drink. It's still got a fruity taste but it is something you can sip for most of the night if you want to avoid drinking too much."
• Red Wine -- "People who drink red wine often want to seem sophisticated. Some of them are, some aren't. You can learn a lot by watching how someone holds their wine glass and drinks their wine."
• Blush Wines -- "People who order blush or white zinfandel in a restaurant are not typically wine drinkers. They really have no idea what is good or not-so-good when ordering wine."

Beer Drinkers

As with wine, the beer you choose can say a lot to those around you. Jacobson described his perception of what different types of beer can tell you about the person drinking it:

• Light Beer -- "People who order light beer may be trying to keep their calories low, or they may not really care about the aroma and taste of a glass or bottle of beer."
• Imported Beer -- "Choosing an import beer means that you do care about the flavor and taste of your drink. You may drink it slower so you can savor it, but your attention to detail often seems to carry over into your appearance, in a good way."
• Craft Or Small Batch Beers -- "Ordering a craft beer means that you are adventurous. There are some great craft beers and some really bad craft beers; you're willing to take a chance on something that may not be very good. People who order these beers tend to be critical or discerning."

Next time, before you order that frothy, fruity cocktail on a date or consider an appletini while entertaining work clients, consider what your choice may suggest about your personality.